The BMP-2 IFV first appeared in the late 1970s and many be regarded as a product improved BMP-1. Its development commenced in the early 1970s. First prototype was completed in 1974. Many of the drawbacks of the BMP-1 were eliminated. It was accepted to service with the Soviet Army in 1980. It was first publicly revealed in 1982. The BMP-2 has been produced in large numbers, the Soviet Army alone is estimated to have received some 20 000 vehicles.

   The BMP-2 was license-produced in Czechoslovakia (BVP-2) and India (Sarath). Essentially similar vehicles have been produced in Bulgaria (BMP-30). This IFV was one of the Eastern Block's most important combat vehicles numerically. It was also exported to the Soviet allies. Currently major operators of the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle are Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Czech Republic, Finland, India, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Slovakia, Syria, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.

   The BMP-2 carries over the same general lines as the BMP-1 and is thus a low, agile, reliable and serviceable vehicle with adequate engine power for most all-terrain missions, especially with late production vehicles which have several improvements over earlier models such as improved fire control extra armor in places and layout alterations.

   The BMP-2 was fitted with a new two-man turret. The most obvious improvement being the replacement of the BMP-1's non-stabilized 73 mm low velocity gun by a more versatile and effective fully-stabilized dual-fed 30 mm cannon. The previous gun had a maximum effective range of only 800-1 000 m. Also it could not be used against air targets. This cannon fires HE-FRAG, HEI-T and APDS-T armor-piercing ammunition. It can engage armored targets at a range of 1 500-2 000 m, ground targets at a range of 4 000 m and helicopters at a range of up to 2 500 m. The APDS-T round penetrates 18 to 55 mm of steel armor, depending on the range. So even though it looses in terms of armor penetration to the 73 mm gun of the BMP-1, that could penetrate 335-400 mm of steel armor, the new 30 mm cannon proved to be a more versatile and successful weapon. Later it was used on a number of Soviet/Russian armored vehicles, as well as attack helicopters.

  There is a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. Some BMP-2 IFVs are additionally fitted with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

   A Fagot (Western reporting name AT-4 Spigot) or Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) ATGW launcher may be mounted over the turret. These missiles have a maximum range of up to 2 000-2 500 m and 4 000 m respectively. Also a portable anti-tank missile launcher for these missiles is often carried inside the vehicle.

   Welded steel armor of the BMP-2 provides all-round protection against 12.7 mm rounds. Front arc of this IFV offers partial protection against 20 mm ammunition. Vehicle is also fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   A rather cramped interior remained but the number of troops carried was reduced to seven. Vehicle commander was relocated from a position behind the driver to the turret. Normally commander dismounts with the troops. Each soldier has its own firing port and associated vision block.

   This infantry fighting vehicle is powered by a UTD-20S1 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 300 hp. It is an improved version of the BMP-1 engine. Transmission and running gear is almost identical to that of its predecessor. Engine and transmission can be easily removed and replaced in field conditions. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by its tracks. Mine ploughs may be fitted to most vehicles.

   There are a number of variants of the BMP-2. Czechoslovakia and India developed their own variants, including armored ambulance, armored engineering vehicle, bridging reconnaissance vehicle and many other.

   In 1987 production of the new BMP-3 began. It has little common with the BMP-2 and the previous BMP-1.

Variants

   BMP-2K command vehicle.

   BMP-2D version with improved armor protection. Vehicle is fitted with add-on steel armor on the hull and turret. It entered service in 1982 and was widely used during a Soviet war in Afghanistan. The vehicle is no longer amphibious due to increased weight.

   BRM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicle.

   BMO-1 a dedicated armored transport vehicle for specialized flamethrower squads.